Arrests, off-road bike and class A drugs seized by eagle-eyed officers in Stockton

The rider of the illegal bike was spotted leaving a property and driving around Hardwick.

Utilising local knowledge and gathering information, officers carried out patrols in the area ready to swoop on the man.

This led to the 30-year-old being seen returning to the property on Cassop Walk where he was detained in the garden.

Following a search, officers recovered cocaine and he was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug as well as drug driving, driving without a licence or insurance. He was questioned and has since been released on bail.

While in the area, officers quickly identified two women, aged 42 and 43, who were wanted in connection with theft offences, and they were taken straight to police custody.

Information was then received on the whereabouts of a 53-year-old woman who was wanted on re-call to prison. Officers swiftly attended to the property on Bridge Road and she was taken straight to custody.

The activity occurred on the evening of Tuesday 11 June by Stockton Police’s proactive team under Operation Malone.

Sergeant Darren Williamson, from Stockton’s proactive team, said: “Operation Malone is our response to criminality that is linked to acquisitive and organised crime in the Stockton area.

“We have dedicated officers from the proactive team who will be conducting high visibility and covert patrols in specific areas to target individuals who we believe to be causing the most harm to our communities.

“Off-road bikes are a nuisance across Teesside. To have removed another one from circulation is great to hear and I know members of the public will be pleased with this news as we know how much of an issue they are.

“These bikes are often used to commit crime such as drug dealing as well as associated with anti-social behaviour.

“Our aim is to cause as much disruption to criminal activity as possible, be hot on the heels of those we believe to be involved in organised crime and catching wanted individuals. The operation will continue throughout the summer months and hopefully we will keep seeing successes like we have had this week.”

To report criminal activity including the use of off-road bikes and drug dealing, please contact Cleveland Police either by calling 101, visiting our website or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.